Some 27 years after their triumph in Tunis, the former Super Eagles have been duly rewarded for their successful outing on African continent.
The current Nigeria President, Bola Ahamed Tinuba, has accepted the legacy approval and the allocation of houses to the victorious Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia by his former Boss, Muhammad Bihari.
According to a statement from the presidency, each of the players including the deceased Uche Okafor, Stephen Keshi, Wilfred Agbonavbare and Thompson Oliha, will get a three-bedroom house in their preferred state.
Nigeria won the 1994 tournament at the Stade El Menzah with former Barcelona striker Emmanuel Amuneke scoring a brace that powered Clemens Westerhof’s men to a 2-1 comeback wins over Zambia.
The triumph was the Super Eagles’ second Afcon title, after their maiden success in 1980 and their last was the 2013 edition which they won in South Africa.
“Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of 3-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles Squad that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government,” the statement reads in part, believing the fact that governance is about continuity and unity must be seen at all levels.
“Following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference,” it said, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already.
The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).
Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.
Meanwhile, soccer fans have appreciated former President Buhari for his prompt consent to the house gifts that have been on hold for over 27 years.
“This is the hallmark of a great leader. A sports-loving President for that matter,” they said.
“I want to most sincerely thank Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick response to the memo raised by Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. This matter had lingered for too long, but thanks to the Ex-President for making these long-standing promises a reality,” some fans have posted with patriotism.